The Music of Elton John,Symphoria's curtain riser for its full and varied 2017-18 season, plays this evening at 7:30 p.m. at the orchestra's home performance venue, the Crouse-Hinds Theaterin Syracuse, New York.

Another tribute, The Music of Journey, follows the next night, and both rock concerts star vocalist Brody Dolyniuk performing with the local musicians.

The Friday show will feature hits like Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Crocodile Rock and Daniel.

Recalling his early days as a piano bar entertainer, Dolyniuk says it seemed as if every other request was for an Elton John song. He picked up on that cue and formed Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute band that went on to play Led Zeppelin,Pink Floyd, Styx and other covers.

"My first love, though, was Elton John," he says. "It's great to be doing it all again now with symphonies."

Dolyniuk, who entertained a full-house at last season's Music of Queen, will sing Journey's Don't Stop Believin', Faithfully, and Any Way You Want It on Saturday. Brent Havens will conduct Symphoria for both engagements.

"Journey's music seems to have caught a second wind," Dolyniuk observes. "Giving it the orchestra treatment is a way to help audiences discover or rediscover and appreciate its timelessness. And, even in this digital age, people still enjoy the rich experience of live performances."

There's no fee for kids under 18. And college students pay just $5 with their student ID.